Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State and amid renewed calls by some APC stakeholders for zoning, a PDP chieftain, Mr. Moses Idika, has insisted that the state’s governorship has always been open to candidates from all senatorial districts. He argued that there is no constitutional restriction barring any qualified citizen from contesting the position.
Idika dismissed suggestions that the PDP’s 2027 governorship hopeful, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, should step down on zoning grounds, maintaining that the businessman and philanthropist remains firmly in the race.
Speaking in a statement, Idika was reacting to remarks attributed to the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Oguzor Kanu Offia Nwali, concerning succession plans ahead of the election.
He reiterated that since 1999, governorship contests in Ebonyi have featured candidates from the North, Central, and South senatorial districts, irrespective of zoning arrangements. According to him, Odii’s ambition is legitimate and should be decided by voters at the polls, not by what he described as an “imaginary zoning formula.”
Idika also urged supporters of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s second-term bid to focus on showcasing the administration’s achievements rather than engaging in succession debates.
He further criticised the state government for what he described as its inability to tackle key developmental challenges, expressing confidence that Odii would provide an alternative vision anchored on investment, industrialisation, and economic growth.
Describing Odii as a committed and patriotic leader, Idika said he is dedicated to improving the welfare of Ebonyi residents and expanding economic opportunities in the state.
“Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will contest, he will win, and Ebonyi people will be happy again,” he added.